To What Extent Was the Massachusetts Bay Colony Democratic with a Belief in Equality?
The Democratic Belief in the Massachusetts Bay Colony
In the early days of the Massachusetts Bay Colony (MBC), there were some semblances of democracy and the belief in equality. The settlers established a form of self-government and held elections to choose leaders. This allowed the citizens to have a voice in the colony's affairs and decisions.
The Reality of Democracy and Equality in the MBC
However, despite the democratic structures in place, the MBC was far from being truly democratic or believing in equality. Only puritans who had passed puritan background checks were allowed to participate in the colony governing. This meant that anyone who did not adhere to the strict puritan religion was heavily discriminated against.
Discrimination and Inequality in the MBC
One group that faced severe discrimination in the MBC were the Quakers. They were regularly harassed, imprisoned, and even murdered for their beliefs. Religious equality was not tolerated, and those who did not conform to the puritan way of life were treated with hostility and violence.
The Lack of True Democracy and Equality
It is clear that while the Massachusetts Bay Colony had some democratic structures in place, they were limited to a select few who met the strict requirements. The belief in equality was not extended to all members of society, especially to those who held different religious beliefs. The MBC's discriminatory practices and actions highlight the lack of true democracy and equality in the colony.
To what extent was the Massachusetts Bay Colony democratic with a belief in equality? It wasn't. Although there were elections and people had suffrage rights, they only participated in colony governing if they were Puritans who had passed Puritan background checks. Anyone else was heavily discriminated against, even to the degree of murder. Quakers were murdered all the time and religious equality was forbidden.